Margate (Tas.)

Population growth drivers in Margate are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates for Margate, Tasmania, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb's estimated population is around 4,410 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 171 people (4.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,239 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,372 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest Education and Workforce data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 42 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 112 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Over the past decade, Margate has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.2%, outpacing the state's average. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 57.99999999999999% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth by age group in the years post-2032, the Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Anticipating future population dynamics, a population increase just below the median of national areas is expected for Margate (Tas.), with the suburb expected to expand by 221 persons to reach 4,631 by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 3.8% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Margate according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Margate has experienced around 12 dwellings receiving development approval per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 62 homes were approved, with a further 9 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, each dwelling is expected to accommodate approximately 2.5 new residents per year over the past five financial years.

This indicates healthy demand, which should support property values. The average construction cost value of new homes being built is $452,000. In terms of commercial approvals, $979,000 has been registered in Margate this financial year, reflecting its predominantly residential nature. Compared to Greater Hobart, Margate records approximately 69% of the building activity per person.

Nationally, it places among the 26th percentile of areas assessed, suggesting relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing properties. This level is also lower than the national average, indicating market maturity and possible development constraints. All new construction in Margate has consisted entirely of detached houses, preserving its low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 621 people, reflecting a quiet, low-activity development environment. Future projections suggest Margate will add 169 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Margate has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 15thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. Four projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to affect this region. Notable projects include Margate Main Street Masterplan (2024-2044), Margate to Huntingfield Shared Pathway, Huntingfield Land Release, and Spring Farm Village. The following list outlines those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in Margate demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Margate has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 2.7%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, 2,244 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.4% lower than Greater Hobart's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Margate is higher at 67.3%, compared to Greater Hobart's 61.6%. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Construction shows strong specialization with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance has lower representation at 14.6% compared to the regional average of 17.3%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the census working population vs resident population count. Over the 12 months to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.7% and employment declined by 1.7%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged in Margate. In contrast, Greater Hobart experienced an employment decline of 1.5% and a labour force decline of 1.6%, with a 0.2 percentage point drop in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 provide insight into potential future demand within Margate. These projections estimate national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Margate's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

Margate had a median taxpayer income of $53,491 and an average of $82,879 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2022. This was among the highest in Australia, contrasting with Greater Hobart's median income of $51,272 and average income of $63,777. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.83% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $60,889 (median) and $94,341 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Margate cluster around the 56th percentile nationally. The data shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 38.3% of the community (1,689 individuals), aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents 32.2%. After housing costs, residents retain 87.0% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Margate is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Margate's latest Census data showed 97.9% houses and 2.1% other dwellings, compared to Hobart metro's 92.5% houses and 7.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Margate was 37.9%, similar to Hobart metro, with mortgaged dwellings at 46.4% and rented ones at 15.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,690, higher than Hobart metro's $1,647. Median weekly rent in Margate was $400, compared to Hobart metro's $385. Nationally, Margate's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Margate features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 81.2% of all households, consisting of 41.1% couples with children, 27.9% couples without children, and 11.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 18.8%, with lone person households at 17.6% and group households comprising 1.0% of the total. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Greater Hobart average of 2.6.

Margate shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Margate's educational qualifications lag behind regional averages; 28.6% of residents aged 15+ have university degrees compared to the SA3 area's 37.3%. The most common qualification is bachelor degrees at 18.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.7%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 37.6% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications; advanced diplomas account for 11.4% and certificates for 26.2%. Educational participation is high, with 32.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 13.2% in primary, 8.4% in secondary, and 4.1% in tertiary education.

Margate Primary School and Channel Christian School serve a total of 533 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1047). Both schools focus on primary education; secondary options are available nearby. The area has 12.1 school places per 100 residents, lower than the regional average of 16.5, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Margate has 14 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops are served by a mix of buses along 16 different routes. Together, these routes facilitate approximately 1,830 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of the transport system is limited, with residents typically residing 897 meters away from the nearest stop. On average, there are 261 daily trips across all routes, which equates to around 130 weekly trips per individual stop.

Margate's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Margate's health indicators align closely with national averages. Common health conditions are similarly distributed across both younger and older age groups.

Private health insurance coverage is notably high at approximately 60% of the total population (2,646 people), compared to 53.9% in Greater Hobart. Mental health issues and arthritis were identified as the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 9.6% and 9.0% of residents respectively. A significant proportion, 68.4%, reported having no medical ailments, slightly higher than the 66.9% recorded across Greater Hobart. The area has a lower percentage of seniors aged 65 and over at 17.9% (789 people), compared to Greater Hobart's 20.8%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Margate are particularly strong, outperforming the general population in various health metrics.

Margate is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Margate's population was found to be predominantly born in Australia, with 85.5%. 93.4% of residents were citizens, and 95.3% spoke English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 42.1% of Margate's population.

Judaism, however, was not represented in Margate, compared to a regional average of 0.1%. The top three ancestry groups were English (31.1%), Australian (30.5%), and Irish (8.1%). Notably, Dutch ancestry was overrepresented at 4.6% compared to the regional average of 3.2%, as were Australian Aboriginal (4.6% vs 2.7%) and South African (0.5% vs 0.5%) ancestries.

Margate's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Margate is 37 years, which is lower than Greater Hobart's average of 39 years and close to Australia's national average of 38 years. In comparison to Greater Hobart, the 5-14 age cohort is over-represented at 15.0% locally, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 10.3%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75-84 age group has increased from 5.2% to 6.5% of Margate's population. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 16.3% to 15.0%, and the 25-34 age group has dropped from 11.4% to 10.3%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Margate, with the 45-54 age group expected to grow by 45% (from 542 to 784 people). However, both the 0-4 and 65-74 age groups are projected to have reduced numbers.